In the years after Fincayra disappears and Merlin has been sent wandering, a young lizard-like creature, with the wings of a bat and the magical power to produce any smell it encounters, is born into the new world of Avalon. The unlikely hero—Basil, he is called—cannot find a single creature like itself nor a person who can tell him what he is. But it is clear that Basil is much more than he seems when he stumbles into an encounter with the great Merlin, saving his child’s life, then uncovers a secret plot by the evil Rhita Gawr. It’s a race against time and across Avalon as Basil, with the help of the faithful wind sister Ailah, searches for the great wizard to warn him. This is one of T.A. Barron’s most thrilling adventures yet and features a new and unforgettable character in his earliest years.

BASIL'S ENCOUNTER WITH EVIL... No longer an unknown little lizard, Basil is now a powerful dragon. His majestic wings, gigantic tail, and jewel-bright eyes fill the sky as he and his loyal friend, Merlin, defend Avalon and strive to save their world. But Avalon is falling into chaos as battles erupt among the dwarves, the fire dragons, and the normally peaceful faeries. Basil suspects the troubles are all linked, but he must find out how. Unfortunately, the answer lies deep within the haunted marsh where Doomraga, a shadowy beast, plots his revenge. "No one can compare to Barron when writing about Merlin or Avalon...His many fans will gobble up this new offering." -School Library Journal

A DANGEROUS RISK... Merlin's world of Avalon faces destruction, and Merlin himself has disappeared. Only one possible savior remains - Basil, the once-tiny lizard who has become the greatest dragon of all time. But even as he enters into battle, Basil knows his struggles have only begun. He must find the source of this chaos - a dark being hidden deep in the Haunted Marsh - before it finally gains ultimate power. To triumph, Basil must risk losing everything. "The many fans of Barron's various Merlin sagas will not be disappointed." -Booklist